By July 1, the Jackson Fire Department will lose nearly 75 years worth of experience due to retirements, further shrinking the department’s core of experienced firefighters.

Firefighter Joe Berkemeier, a 25-year veteran of the department, was scheduled to work his last day Wednesday. Fire Capt. Eric Bernhardt’s last shift is Thursday, as he is retiring after 23 years. Firefighter Scott Krebill retires July 1 after 25 years.

“I think we’re leaving it in good hands,” Bernhardt said.

For Bernhardt, who used years of military service to retire early, it was time to leave and head to “greener pastures” he told a group of active and retired firefighters gathered at the station Tuesday for a small retirement party for Berkemeier and Bernhardt.

Bernhardt started with the department in 1988. During his first 10 shifts, he ran out on 12 fires, earning him the nickname “Dark Cloud,” said Interim Assistant Chief David VanStempvoort. Firefighters jokingly blamed the rookie for the sudden rash of fires.

“Some of us were ready to send him home,” VanStempvoort said.

Recent cuts to the department played a role in Bernhardt’s decision to retire.

By July 5, the department will have lost 17 positions since January. Eleven retired, including Bernhardt, Berkemeier and Krebill. The department lost a clerk position and announced last week it will lay off five firefighters July 5.

“I really wish the people laid off get to come back,” Bernhardt said.

When Bernhardt and Berkemeier started, the department had more than 50 firefighters with 15 working a shift. After the layoffs, the department will have 17 firefighters with between four and five working a shift, changing the way it responds to fires.

“It’s going to be more of waiting game,” Berkemeier said. “Fire doesn’t give you a lot time to take action.”

Berkemeier remembers his first fires, and a fire on N. Gorham Street stands out in his mind. It was the middle of winter, and the man living in the house got out safely, but without his shoes. He ran back inside and became trapped, Berkemeier said. Firefighters later found his body.

Many more times during their careers, Berkemeier and Bernhardt rescued people.

“I think we made a difference,” he said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to have this job.”